Here is an idea: with automobiles being a major drain on our energy bill, I am suggesting that we encourage the use of small, fuel-efficient vehicles. The best way to accomplish this is to offer reduced duty concession for the purchase and import of these vehicles. Cars that get over 30 mpg should pay only 25 per cent duty, while cars that get 35 to 40+ pay 15 per cent to 20 per cent duty. Qualified cars that were brought into the island under a year and not yet sold, should get 50 per cent rebate on duty already paid. We must reduce our energy consumption. If everyone on the island would just change our light bulbs to flourescent bulbs, not only will we see better at night, but we will save money and energy.

- dan Vasse, evasse747@ yahoo.com, Pembroke Pines, Florida, Via Go-Jamaica

I have been coming to Jamaica since 1974. Why haven't things changed as yet? I was just there in May and things are still so beautiful. My belief is that the Government has to listen to the people of Jamaica. All the fighting is not giving a good feeling to the people who want to come and visit, when they read it in the paper or hear from others. There are many ways of getting rid of the guns there. Offer money or food for them. Guns don't kill, the person holding the gun does that.Peace is what the people want in Jamaica and to make a living to feed their families. They have to hear the cries of the children. We need to stop all the hatred and violence and learn to love one another. God is watching everyone there. May there be peace on earth and peace in Jamaica. God bless all the people of Jamaica.

- Marc Cohen, mthumbless@comcast.net, Boca Raton, Florida, Via Go-Jamaica

I am not a man who is into politics, but I just wanted to write and say thank you to Portia. I have two daughters and the older one has a heart murmur and it's hard to look after her. I have to take her to the Children's Hospital and she needs regular medication. My salary is small and it is hard to pay for her many doctor visits.

Now thanks to the Prime Minister I don't have to pay anything at all. My daughter is not as sick as she used to be now because I can take her to Children's Hospital whenever she needs to go. It would be good if one day we could have free health care for everybody, but in the meantime, I am just glad I can feel good as a father and take care of my children. I have my dignity back now. Thanks Portia.